The Chicago Bears have had some memorable and impactful first-round picks during their storied 105-year history, including a long line of Hall of Famers.
Chicago hasn't had much success in the first round in recent history -- whether it was during the Jerry Angelo, Phil Emery or Ryan Pace eras. The hope is that changes with quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze, who were both Top 10 selections in last year's NFL draft and showed plenty of promise.
General manager Ryan Poles is once again in a prime position to land an impact player with the 10th overall pick. Chicago has seven total selections, including four in the Top 75.
With that in mind, let's take a look back at the 10 best first-round picks by the Bears in team history, a list that includes all Hall of Famers.
1. RB Walter Payton | 1975 | Pick 4
Walter Payton is widely regarded as the best player in NFL history, and he had a profound impact on the Bears and NFL. He did it all, whether it was rushing, blocking, receiving or even passing the ball, when needed. Payton became the NFL's all-time leading rusher in 1984, a record that stood until 2002 (Emmitt Smith). He was also part of the legendary 1985 Bears that won Super Bowl XX. Payton earned a number of honors, including NFL MVP in 1977, a nine-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
2. LB Dick Butkus | 1965 | Pick 3
Dick Butkus is arguably the best linebacker in NFL history, and he needs no introduction. He's one of the toughest guys to ever play in the NFL, and his impact on the game has extended beyond the playing field. Butkus played all nine seasons in Chicago, where he made the Pro Bowl in eight of those nine seasons, earning first-team All-Pro honors five times along the way. Butkus recorded 27 fumble recoveries and 22 interceptions before knee injuries forced his retirement after the 1973 season. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
3. RB Gale Sayers | 1965 | Pick 4
Gale Sayers, the man they called the "Kansas Comet," was one of the most elusive running backs of all time, and a part of a rich running back history with the Bears. In his seven-year career, which was shortened by a knee injury, Sayers totaled 9,435 combined net yards and 4,956 yards rushing. Sayers, who spent his entire career with the Bears, was a five-time All-Pro and made four Pro Bowls. He's also the youngest player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977 at the age of 34.
4. LB Brian Urlacher | 2000 | Pick 9
Brian Urlacher is the latest in a long line of Hall of Fame linebackers for the Bears, where he established himself as an incredibly athletic and gifted player in the NFL. He spent all 13 seasons with Chicago, and he's the franchise's all-time leader in solo tackles (1,040). Urlacher was named first-team All Pro four times and was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times. He also earned Defensive Rookie of the Year (2000) and Defensive Player of ...
